Apr 27 2004

Graham Announces $3.5 Million Airport Grant to Myrtle Beach

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) will receive $3,529,276 in federal grants to help construct a new terminal and rehabilitate a taxiway. “Air travel is very important to Myrtle Beach and the tourism economy,” said Graham. “People love visiting Myrtle Beach and the more convenient we can make it to get there the better.” “We’ve had quite a bit of good news recently involving the airport and increased air travel,” said Graham. “This grant is one more thing we can add to the list.” Earlier this year, Graham met with local elected officials, airline representatives, customs officials and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to push for more resources at the airport. Graham’s efforts helped Myrtle Beach secure its own TSA director instead of having to share one with Charleston. Before this change, Myrtle Beach was the only airport of its size in the state to be paired with another airport under the TSA. Graham also pledged his assistance for the airport when it begins applying for a designation as a port-of-entry, a distinction requiring the federal government to pay for customs handling. To qualify as a port-of-entry, the airport needs at least 15,000 international passengers annually. Myrtle Beach is expected to meet this designation later this year. “I’ve been very impressed by the growth of air travel in Myrtle Beach,” said Graham. “We must continue to build the necessary infrastructure to allow the airport to grow. There’s no doubt in my mind that increased air travel will tremendously enhance economic opportunities in the area.” #####